Lockdown Learning’s

This period tested us all. Physically, emotionally, mentally and of course spiritually. It taught me several lessons, I took some time out to take note of them, lest I forget them a few years down the line. One particular day I experienced the power of authentic human connection.

Here goes the story. 

 During the initial days of the lockdown when wearing a mask was new, I found myself struggling  making peace with wearing one. As I walked towards the main gate with a list of groceries in my hand, I kept debating in my head whether I really needed one as the store is just across the road. Even before I reached a conclusion, I found myself on the main market road, missing it’s regular hustle-bustle. An awkward eerie silence replaced it with people observing the new distancing norms, wearing gloves and masks. The road was barricaded with police vehicles and cops walked around enforcing new rules. I remember, I froze. The unfamiliarity of it all got to me. 

After all, this was my area and I thought that I knew it well. 

I took a deep breath, made instant peace with the face mask and crossed the road to the store. Still uneasy and unsure. 

After a few minutes of waiting, I reached the entry point where a familiar face 

beamed a big smile that reached his eyes. It was warm enough to shine through mask. I beamed back and asked as to how he was, to which he gestured at God’s Will. 

He took the list from me and started filling in the necessary items. A few minutes later he spoke in a hushed tone, “baby ka favourite chocolate aa gaya hai aur main ne storeroom main bachake rakha hai. De doon?” I smiled and nodded in gratitude. 

I rediscovered my ease, that very moment.

The power of human connect, the power of a smile. That simple gesture of thoughtfulness filled my heart with faith that it’s okay, we will all get through this collectively.

#infinitelearning smile more, you never know who needs it that day.